Bill and Marge Ahrenberg

August 27, 2001|By Hillary Dickerson

For the past seven years - as many years as it's been held in Otsego County - Bill and Marge Ahrenberg have eagerly tied on their walking shoes to participate in the Relay for Life, a 24-hour-long American Cancer Society (ACS) fund-raiser held each September at the Otsego County Fairgrounds. This year will be no different for the dedicated husband and wife team, and they're looking forward to the upcoming event.

Background: "The relay itself says it all if you look at the way the community supports it," said Bill as he explained why the couple chose Gaylord. "The support the community gives is incredible."

The Ahrenbergs built a summer cottage on the shores of Otsego Lake in 1960, but it wasn't until retiring in 1988 that they became full-time northern Michigan residents and active community volunteers. Before retirement, Bill worked for Michigan Bell Telephone, while Marge was a secretary for the Wayne-Westland School District.

Advertisement

In September, the couple will celebrate a very impressive milestone in their lives together - 50 years of marriage. They have three married sons and two grandchildren - a granddaughter in college and a grandson who will be a senior in high school.

When they're not busy with their volunteer work - most of it through ACS and their church, First United Methodist of Gaylord - the Ahrenbergs enjoy traveling and sailing to all sorts of exotic locations, mainly Caribbean destinations. Marge served for several years on the board of the Otsego County ACS.

Seeking a cure: Bill and Marge noted that cancer has touched their lives in many ways. Bill's father had lung cancer, his grandfather prostate cancer and Marge's grandmother died of colon cancer. But it wasn't until after the Ahrenbergs become actively involved in ACS and the Relay for Life that Bill was diagnosed himself with cancer - a battle he fought and won.

"I just feel it's very worthwhile," Marge noted of the relay and all the time and energy that numerous volunteers pour into it. Through the years Marge has had a chance to meet cancer patients at all age levels, and she said that it makes a person feel like dedicating time and energy to finding a cure. To her, education is an extremely significant element so that people are made aware of the importance of regular examinations and preventative measures that can be taken.

The Ahrenbergs who are members of the Methodist Church relay team, have watched the event grow in scope through the years. They know that by supporting the relay, they are supporting all sorts of other ACS programs at the same time.

"The social aspect and the benefit of raising money for a good cause are exciting," Bill continued.

Traveling the road to recovery: A project that funding from the Relay for Life makes possible is one that is dear to the hearts of the Ahrenbergs, the Road to Recovery van. Bill has volunteered to drive since the van arrived in the county a few years ago to transport cancer patients back and forth to treatment appointments in Petoskey.

"I consider it a real privilege," Bill noted. "I would do it once a week if I could." He explained how much the camaraderie means to patients who rely on other patients as a support network.